Toilet Tree: Toiletry Travel Bag Giveaway and Review~ 8/7

Momma Told Me: Don't forget your toothbrush!

I still recall the first time my father's parents came to stay with us, from Massachusetts. No older than 4, the thing I found most intriguing was their toiletry case. And, calling it a case, seems quite deceiving looking back- for this was literally a case, within their main suitcase. A well worn leather briefcase, complete with circa 60's floral lining, chocked with bag upon bag of amenities, prescriptions, and powders. This was, of course, back before airline regulations had been anywhere near what they were today. A couple could fly with a case of Aquanet, if they pleased; and with little exaggeration, it seemed like my grandparents did. In fact, if I had more of an affinity for hygiene at the time I might have thought it Mary Poppins of bags. Whenever I was told to fetch something for dear grandma, it was always in that briefcase.

Many would argue traveling today is much more harder- balderdash! Yes, we have to take some extra considerations into mind when packing for a flight, but it's hardly the inconvenience of taking a 15 day train ride across country to see relatives. The simple truth is, with the convenience of shopping online, and modern innovations, traveling is simpler than ever. Even for those who insist on an in-flight refresher, via toiletry carry on, can breathe easy knowing the guesswork has been taken out of liquid cleansers. It may not be the most glamorous of products, but a reliable toiletry bag is an essential for any individual- male or female, seasoned or infrequent traveler. And a good toiletry bag can transcend long vacations, and even find use in the day to day as a back up, or emergency bag. If I had a dollar for every time I've wished I had a toothbrush at an important meeting, or a dollop of antiperspirant after the gym, I'd be a rich gal.

ToiletTree Products is no stranger to Momma Told Me; a brand that first launched with their revolutionary Fogless Mirror, has now blossomed into a full fledged, well, toiletry company. Ironically enough, only recently did they introduce their ToiletTree Toiletry Travel Bag, complete with TSA approved accessories. Currently only sold in a chic black, imitation leather, doule-zipper format, this carry-on approved bag is spacious and easy to organize. While I feel the large boxy footprint, and visual design will appeal most to male consumers, I've recently fallen in love with it's large capacity and water resistant interior. Yes, this toiletry bag is not only entirely washable, but will protect your belongings far better than any plastic ziploc, in case of leaks and exploding bottles.

The top chamber of the bag is held in place with a simple velcro strip, and double zipper trim. Because the toiletry bag offers a zippable flap, rather than seam based zipper, the bag is much easier to organize and pack. I can easily pull the top back and neatly organize my necessities, then zip the top back into place. This is especially nice, because the interior is lacking various pockets or straps (frills) I would normally find in bags geared towards women. There is, however, a mesh pocket running along the bottom of the top chamber, which easily unzips (along the base) to reveal a storage spot for liquids. You'll find ToiletTree has included 3, airline approved, travel bottles for Shampoo, Body Wash, and Conditioner, as well as a collapsible cup and toothbrush holder. As unique as the collapsible cup is, for those who take regular medication, or rinse with mouthwash daily, I opted to remove it for extra space. The bottom compartment doesn't expand, so it's fairly snug already with the provided containers. I was, however, happy to find I could store 2 manual toothbrushes comfortably in the provided case.

In fact, the only 'true' area for improvement I see with the ToiletTree Toiletry Bag is a call for an included clear window ID slot or tag. We always make sure to include our contact information in every piece of luggage, and the toiletry bag is no exception- in fact, it's one of my 'most likely to be left behind' pieces! To remedy this, I simply stuck a slip with our contact info into the mesh pocket (as mentioned) on the inside of the bottom pouch. I'd also like to see the bottom compartment remove from the unit entirely, for quick storage on overnight trips (where I may just want to grab some soap and a toothbrush). Otherwise, the other half loved having all of our 'necessities' in one space that was easy to access. I cannot stress enough the positives of having a top that zips back (rather than open). Thanks to this simple feature I no longer have to unpack the entire bag to find what I am looking for!What Daughter Says: Keep all of your toiletries in one place, and eliminate the guesswork of TSA travel, with ToiletTree.

One Momma Told Me follower will win their own ToiletTree Toiletry Travel Bag!